Spending time outdoors is part of the Aussie way of life and our houses, as much as possible, are designed to bring a sense of flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Various types of doors can help make this transition seamless, as well as enhancing natural light, ventilation, visibility and connection with surroundings.

Last chance to vote for us!
Click on the link below and choose the “Bentleigh Alterations & Additions” project and follow the instructions.
Nominations for the Peoples’ Choice Award 2017 will close at midnight on Sunday, 23 July 2017.

The service award honours are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews we received in 2016, and the award also represents the quality of our work. so excited and honoured.

It’s no secret that most of the original homes we see in older, established areas simply don’t cut it when it comes to meeting our 21st-century lifestyles, despite many of them being beautiful pieces of architecture. Many of these homes feature individual, boxed-in rooms instead of the open-plan layouts that support our modern way of living. Small, badly positioned windows are also common in these older homes, which means they don’t make the most of views, outdoor living connections or passive-solar design principles.

http://sketchbuildingdesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DSC_5789.jpg6681000Laurinehttp://sketchbuildingdesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/logo-sketch3.pngLaurine2017-02-24 01:29:092017-02-24 01:40:50What an Open-Plan Addition Can Do for Your Old House12/02/2016/in Media, Uncategorized/

We’re so excited to participate at ‘The Herald Sun Home Show” at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre!
If you have any questions in mind about your future or existing home project, feel free to visit us today. We will be more than happy to help you.

Sketch’s West Brunswick Addition was recently featured on 7TWO’s Australia’s Best Houses, a television series that features some of the most exciting and visually stunning homes in Australia. Gary Takle interviews director, Darrin Albert about the permit process and Sketch’s role in the design; as well as Amanda Ayres (Amanda Ayres Interiors) and builder, John Paul Kavanagh (Kavanagh Builders).

Sketch’s Elsternwick Addition has been featured in the following article on Houzz.com:

While it’s many people’s dream to build a sustainable home from scratch, it can sometimes be kinder to the environment to take what you have already and retrofit with energy efficiency in mind. “Renovating a house is the ultimate ‘upcycling’ of an object and can lead to some creative outcomes,” says Kristine Somerfield of Field Design Studio. Australia has many great examples of historic houses, old worker’s cottages, weatherboards and ’70s brick veneers that have been successfully converted to dream homes.

If you own a large piece of land, splitting it in two and selling one half or both and making a significant profit sounds like a simple concept and a great way to make money. While the logic in subdividing land for profit is compelling, there are also significant risks that need to be assessed before you lay down your hard-earned cash.

There are many reasons why someone might consider subdividing their site. Releasing equity in their existing house, making a little extra cash, reducing mortgage stress or just to make money. The concept of carving off a little bit of land behind your house and selling it to someone else sounds pretty simple. Many people do it, so why not you? I can guarantee it is not as simple as you think. Yes it can be done, but it will cost money and you will take on the risk if you undertake this process. Now if you want to consider this journey, and I haven’t sent you packing in fright, read on.

The owners of this Elsternwick abode sought to convert the existing one-bedroom Victorian terrace into a bright, comfortable and contemporary home, large enough to accommodate themselves and their two young children.

According to designer Andrew Brown from Sketch Building Design, the main emphasis was to design a space that created a sense of openness within the tight size constraints, and to also take advantage of the available natural light. In order to realise this vision, increasing the size of the small living zone was a must, as was a second storey – not to mention a complete overhaul to the colour palette and outdoor areas. “It was in liveable condition, but the colours and lack of natural light created a dark and cold interior,” says Andrew in regards to the original home.

Sketch Building Design Design was recently contacted by Abode TV to be featured on ‘Australia’s Best Houses’, a television series that features some of the most exciting and visually stunning homes in Australia. After gaining interest in several of the projects listed on our website, it was decided that our West Brunswick Alterations and Additions was the project to be showcased on the television program.

Yesterday, filming commenced at our client’s home, who was also the project’s interior designer. The episode features input and interviews with one of our Directors, Darrin Albert; the home owner and interior designer, Amanda Ayres (Amanda Ayres Interiors); and builder, John Paul Kavanagh (Kavanagh Builders). Each discussed their individual roles in the success of the project.

Darrin is pictured here on set whilst answering questions from Gary Takle.

The West Brunswick alterations and additions project is scheduled to screen on Channel 7TWO in early to mid March 2015.

http://sketchbuildingdesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/main1-e1418077272446.jpg418722Nickhttp://sketchbuildingdesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/logo-sketch3.pngNick2014-12-09 08:19:152014-12-09 08:19:15Sketch to be Featured on Australia's Best Houses in 2015